Deterring identity theft and protecting your personal information online, over the phone, and in physical form is essential in today’s digital age. Here are some practical steps you can take:
Online Safety
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Use Strong Passwords: Create complex passwords that include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using easily guessable information like birthdays or names.
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Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Whenever possible, enable 2FA on your accounts for an added layer of security.
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Be Wary of Phishing Scams: Don’t click on links or open attachments in emails from unknown sources. Verify the sender’s email address carefully.
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Limit Sharing on Social Media: Be cautious about what personal information you share on social media platforms. Adjust privacy settings to restrict who can see your information.
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Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your software, including antivirus programs, to protect against malware and other threats.
Phone Safety
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Verify Caller Identity: If you receive a call asking for personal information, hang up and call back using a number you know is legitimate.
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Don’t Share Sensitive Information: Avoid sharing personal, financial, or sensitive information over the phone unless you initiated the call and are confident in the recipient’s identity.
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Use Secure Connections: If you're discussing personal information over the phone, use a secure and private location.
Handling Documents
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Shred Personal Information: After using financial documents, such as bank statements or credit card offers, use a shredder to dispose of them instead of just throwing them away.
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Organize Sensitive Documents: Keep important documents in a secure place, like a locked filing cabinet or safe, to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
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Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly review bank statements, credit card statements, and credit reports for unauthorized transactions or accounts.
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Opt for Electronic Statements: If available, opt for electronic statements to reduce the volume of paper documents you need to store and discard.
General Practices
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Use a Credit Monitoring Service: Consider subscribing to a service that alerts you to potential identity theft by monitoring your credit report.
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Be Careful with Public Wi-Fi: Avoid accessing sensitive information over public Wi-Fi networks. Use a VPN if you must connect.
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Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the latest scams and identity theft tactics to recognize and avoid them.
By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of identity theft and help protect your personal information.